Petrology and palynology of a silicified sapropelic peat from a Paleocene lignite bed in North Dakota

Abstract

A permineralized sapropelic “peat” enclosed in a silicified log was recently discovered in a Paleocene lignite seam in the Fort Union Group near Center, North Dakota. Silicified logs are commonly found in North Dakota lignite seams. Part of the permineralized peat has intruded into the log to form veinlets parallel to the tree rings. The mineral matter that occurred in the peat is cryptocrystalline, whereas the mineral matter in the silicified log is microcrystalline. The silicified peat is laden with pollen and spores typical of Paleocene microflora.